Riding the momentum from Thursday’s win in Sarnia, the Lasalle Viper secured another victory, defeating the Elmira Sugar Kings 5-4 in overtime.
Logan Phillips got the start in goal, while Max Brocklehurst wasted no time putting the Vipers on the board, scoring just 2:34 into the first period. Nick Graniero extended the lead on the power play at 6:17 after Elmira took their first penalty of the night. The team saw two separate stretches of 4-on-4 action following matching penalties at 6:31 and 14:24. Elmira scored their first goal late to cut the deficit to 2-1 to end the first.
Just 38 seconds into the second period, Elmira tied the game up. Matteo Vilardi quickly responded, restoring the Vipers lead at 2:05. However, the Sugar Kings answered back late in the frame, evening the score once again at 15:18. The teams entered the third period locked in at 3-3.
Julian Gignac gave Lasalle another lead at 9:55 of the third but once again Elmira found a way to tie the game. By pulling their goalie for an extra attacker in the final minutes, they scored their fourth goal at 18:37.
In the extra frame, Adriano Tonin played hero, netting the game winner at 4:20 with an assist from Brody Jones, snagging 2 points from Elmira.
The Vipers will face the Sugar Kings again next Sunday in Lasalle, but first, they host the Strathroy Rockets on Wednesday, February 26th, for their final Wednesday home game of the regular season.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
